Rugby Football Union | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/rugby-football-union
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2016Fri, 09 Dec 2016 14:17:28 GMT2016-12-09T14:17:28Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2016The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
London Welsh go into liquidation but hope for semi-professional returnhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/07/london-welsh-liquidation-semi-professional-return-rugby-union
• Club in voluntary liquidation after surviving winding-up orders<br />• ‘The current business model is totally unsustainable,’ says Exiles chairman<p>London Welsh will be docked 20 league points and drop to the bottom of the Championship when the club go into voluntary liquidation this week, but they can remain in the second tier, if they avoid relegation, by coming up with a business plan that is accepted by the Rugby Football Union and paying a six‑figure bond.</p><p>London Welsh, who faced a court hearing on Monday over an unpaid £250,000 bill to Her Majesty’s Revenue &amp; Customs, announced the club were going into liquidation to reform as a semi‑professional entity on the day the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/07/warren-gatland-british-irish-lions-coaches" title="">support coaches for the British &amp; Irish Lions tour to New Zealand</a> next year were&nbsp;announced.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/07/michael-cheika-backed-australian-rugby-union-world-cup-coach">Michael Cheika backed by Australian Rugby Union to remain coach for World Cup</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/07/london-welsh-liquidation-semi-professional-return-rugby-union">Continue reading...</a>London WelshRugby Football UnionRugby unionSportWed, 07 Dec 2016 15:20:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/07/london-welsh-liquidation-semi-professional-return-rugby-unionPhotograph: Allward/JMP/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Allward/JMP/REX/ShutterstockPaul Rees2016-12-07T15:20:04ZRFU wants fewer Tests but warns to do so will cause ‘economic hit’https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/02/rfu-fewer-tests-player-welfare-england-economic-hit
• We’ve got to do more than pay lip service to player welfare, says Ritchie<br />• RFU confirms no plans to stage England Tests in the north<p>The Rugby Football Union wants fewer international fixtures scheduled after 2019 to help reduce the strain on the game’s leading players. England are about to host four consecutive matches at Twickenham but Ian Ritchie, the RFU’s chief executive, says he would back any proposal to cut the volume of Test rugby played worldwide.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/05/england-rugby-union-squad-workload-players-welfare">England rugby squad’s workload puts welfare at risk, warns players’ union</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/02/rfu-fewer-tests-player-welfare-england-economic-hit">Continue reading...</a>Rugby Football UnionEngland rugby union teamRugby unionSportWed, 02 Nov 2016 22:00:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/02/rfu-fewer-tests-player-welfare-england-economic-hitPhotograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesPhotograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesRobert Kitson2016-11-02T22:00:31ZEnglish rugby union’s neglect of the north is shrinking the talent pool | Robert Kitsonhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/01/english-rugby-union-neglect-north-talent-pool
<p>Is it any wonder that players from northern clubs are a rarity in the England team when the national side sticks to Twickenham?</p><p>Welcome to the month of November when half the world’s planes seem to be stuffed with rugby players. Most have no choice if they wish to pursue their chosen trade. Ireland and New Zealand are in Chicago this week while Australia and South Africa are in London. Fiji are training in Toulouse, with England opting for a short warm-weather break in Portugal. There are almost as many gumshields passing through departure lounges as giant Toblerones.</p><p>There is good reason for this hyperactivity. The game is increasingly global and spreading the gospel can be lucrative. The All Blacks are not in the States purely for the fresh Illinois air and Argentina did not stage their Rugby Championship Test <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/08/argentina-australia-rugby-championship-match-report" title="">against Australia at Twickenham</a> last month because of the local tango-dancing scene. Beyond the financial inducements, though, there are additional benefits: a change of scene can eradicate staleness and complacency and create unexpected new friendships.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/31/eddie-jones-george-ford-toulon-england">Eddie Jones warns George Ford that Toulon move would end England career</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/31/sam-warburton-world-cup-wales-british-irish-lions-new-zealand">Sam Warburton: ‘You watch Sky with everyone else to see if you’re in Lions squad’</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/01/english-rugby-union-neglect-north-talent-pool">Continue reading...</a>England rugby union teamRugby Football UnionRugby unionSportTue, 01 Nov 2016 10:00:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/01/english-rugby-union-neglect-north-talent-poolPhotograph: John Sibley/Action Images via ReutersPhotograph: John Sibley/Action Images via ReutersRobert Kitson2016-11-01T10:00:04ZRugby World Cup year yields record profits and revenues for RFUhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/14/rugby-world-cup-profits-rfu-2015-16-ian-ritchie
• Rugby’s ruling body posts a retained profit of £3.9m <br />• A truly exceptional year, says RFU’s Ian Ritchie<p>England may not have reached the knockout phase of the Rugby World Cup last year but the Rugby Football Union enjoyed spectacular success off the field. The RFU’s annual financial report shows the union doubled its revenues to £407.1m with record profits for rugby investment of £102.3m, an increase of 37%.</p><p>The highest turnover in the RFU’s history was boosted by World Cup-generated revenue of £228.1m, with the tournament exceeding expectations on all fronts bar the host nation’s performance. Total revenue increased by £199.2m on the previous financial year, allowing the RFU to post a retained profit of £3.9m compared with a loss of £6.7m in 2014‑15.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/05/england-womens-rugby-rfu-plan-world-cup">RFU hands out 48 women’s contracts and targets retaining 2017 World Cup</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/14/rugby-world-cup-profits-rfu-2015-16-ian-ritchie">Continue reading...</a>Rugby Football UnionRugby World Cup 2015Rugby World CupEngland rugby union teamOwen FarrellSaracensRugby unionSportFri, 14 Oct 2016 17:08:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/14/rugby-world-cup-profits-rfu-2015-16-ian-ritchiePhotograph: Jordan Mansfield - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty ImaPhotograph: Jordan Mansfield - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty ImaRobert Kitson2016-10-14T17:08:45ZSaracens’ Mark McCall hits out at RFU after England training camp injurieshttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/06/saracens-mark-mccall-england-injuries-rfu
• Clubs should ‘fight their corner’ says Saracens director of rugby<br />• Scheduling criticised after Sam Jones and Anthony Watson injuries<p>Mark McCall, the director of rugby of the European and Premiership champions Saracens, has hit out at the timing of this week’s England training camp in Brighton, at which two players have suffered long-term injuries. He said he was “flabbergasted” that it was being held less than two weeks before the start of the European Champions Cup and questioned why the clubs were not consulted before it was put in the calendar.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/oct/06/england-rugby-union-injuries">England’s run of serious training injuries is about more than bad luck | Robert Kitson</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/06/aaron-smith-new-zealand-apology-disabled-toilet-female-friend">New Zealand’s Aaron Smith sorry for ‘huge mistake’ after toilet encounter</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/06/saracens-mark-mccall-england-injuries-rfu">Continue reading...</a>England rugby union teamSaracensEuropean Rugby Champions CupPremiershipRugby Football UnionRugby unionSportThu, 06 Oct 2016 20:59:54 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/06/saracens-mark-mccall-england-injuries-rfuPhotograph: Henry Browne/ReutersPhotograph: Henry Browne/ReutersPaul Rees2016-10-06T20:59:54ZRFU hands out 48 women’s contracts and targets retaining 2017 World Cuphttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/05/england-womens-rugby-rfu-plan-world-cup
• England team branded as ‘Red Roses’ for autumn internationals<br />• RFU plans to double number of women playing contact rugby by 2021<p>Ian Ritchie has announced a blueprint to promote the development and growth of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/womens-rugby-union" title="">women’s rugby in England</a> through all levels of the game from grassroots to elite. Speaking at its Twickenham launch, the Rugby Football Union’s chief executive also declared his organisation will be “straining every sinew” in its efforts to ensure <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/aug/17/england-win-womens-world-cup-canada-match-report" title="">England retain the World Cup they won in France two years ago</a> when the competition is staged in Ireland next August.</p><p>As part of its innovation, England Rugby has announced 48 professional contracts for players in both 15-a-side and sevens on a full- and part-time basis. The first sponsored series of autumn internationals will take place next month when, under their new branding of the “Red Roses”, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/england-womens-rugby-union-team" title="">England Women</a> play France, Ireland, New Zealand and Canada in matches sponsored by Old Mutual Wealth.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/05/welsh-rugby-union-investment-record-turnover">WRU increases investment in grassroots and regions after record turnover</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/05/england-womens-rugby-rfu-plan-world-cup">Continue reading...</a>England women's rugby union teamRugby Football UnionWomen's rugby unionRugby unionSportWed, 05 Oct 2016 16:20:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/oct/05/england-womens-rugby-rfu-plan-world-cupPhotograph: Warren Little/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Warren Little/Getty ImagesBarry Glendenning2016-10-05T16:20:02ZRichard Cockerill hits out at RFU over claims about England coach rolehttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/29/richard-cockerill-rfu-england-coach-role
• Leicester director of rugby believes there are quality coaches in Premiership<br />• Cockerill says he has never had career or coaching advice from the RFU<p>Richard Cockerill, the Leicester director of rugby, has piled into the argument about the suitability of leading Premiership coaches for the senior England job, saying he has never received career-development advice from the Rugby Football Union and claiming “knee-jerk” decisions are taken when a senior coaching vacancy arises at Twickenham.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/29/england-nathan-hughes-mike-williams-autumn-tests">England to select Nathan Hughes and Mike Williams for autumn Tests</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/28/premiership-coaches-rfu-overseas-experience">Premiership coaches unimpressed by RFU’s desire for overseas experience</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/29/richard-cockerill-rfu-england-coach-role">Continue reading...</a>England rugby union teamRugby Football UnionRugby unionSportThu, 29 Sep 2016 21:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/29/richard-cockerill-rfu-england-coach-rolePhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Stu Forster/Getty ImagesRobert Kitson2016-09-29T21:00:01ZRFU tells New Zealand to 'build a bigger stadium' if it wants more moneyhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/27/england-twickenham-cash-australia-new-zealand
<p>• RFU chief Ian Ritchie digs in heels about sharing autumn revenue<br>• Ritchie also denies falling out with New Zealand counterpart Steve Tew</p><p>England are refusing to make big financial concessions to their cash-strapped southern hemisphere rivals and will oppose the idea of sharing the vast revenues generated by autumn Twickenham internationals. Instead Ian Ritchie, the Rugby Football Union’s chief executive, has advised New Zealand and Australia to “go and build a bigger stadium” if they wish to boost their profits.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/27/chris-ashton-hopes-england-return-13-week-ban-biting-saracens-rugby-union">Chris Ashton hopes for England return despite 13-week ban for biting</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/27/england-injury-list-eddie-jones-autumn-international-squad">England injury list gives Eddie Jones chance to promote a likely lad or two</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/27/england-twickenham-cash-australia-new-zealand">Continue reading...</a>England rugby union teamRugby Football UnionNew Zealand rugby union teamAutumn internationalsRugby unionSportTue, 27 Sep 2016 21:00:46 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/27/england-twickenham-cash-australia-new-zealandPhotograph: Phil Walter/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Phil Walter/Getty ImagesRobert Kitson2016-09-27T21:00:46ZWorld Rugby’s zero tolerance on head injuries is not just a pipe dreamhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/25/world-rugby-head-injuries-sean-ingle
Significant progress in tackling concussion has been made in the last five years giving hope that Gladwell’s grim vision of the future may be avoidable<p>Whenever a fresh study on the dangers of concussion in sport hits the headlines it reminds me of the ominous prophecy from Malcolm Gladwell: that playing American football will one day become akin to joining the army. “We will disclose the risks and dare people to play,” he warned in 2013. “That’s what the army does. That’s what football is going to become.” In this future mushrooming evidence of traumatic brain injuries will turn the National Football League into a “ghettoised sport” – Gladwell’s words – avoided by the middle classes but still grimly embraced by the poor and desperate.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/24/northampton-jim-mallinder-tv-officials">Northampton’s Jim Mallinder demands more consistent use of TV officials</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/24/national-anthem-protest-college-football-kaepernick">College players join in raising fists for anthem as Kaepernick's protest speads</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/25/world-rugby-head-injuries-sean-ingle">Continue reading...</a>Concussion in sportRugby unionRugby Football UnionNFLSportSun, 25 Sep 2016 20:59:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/25/world-rugby-head-injuries-sean-inglePhotograph: Julian Finney/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Julian Finney/Getty ImagesSean Ingle2016-09-25T20:59:11ZSaracens’ Chris Ashton banned for 13 weeks by RFU for biting offencehttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/20/chris-ashton-saracens-england-biting
• England wing has one charge upheld against him during five-hour hearing<br />• Ashton free to play again on 19 December but can appeal<p>Chris Ashton has been suspended for 13 weeks after a three-strong disciplinary panel meeting in London on Tuesday night upheld one charge of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/19/saracens-chris-ashton-alleged-biting-cited">biting during Saracens’ victory over Northampton</a> on Saturday but threw out a second. The England wing, who has the right to appeal, will be free to play again on 19 December.</p><p>Ashton was cited for biting the arm of the Saints prop Alex Waller twice in one minute in the first-half of the match. He denied both charges, which meant that when he was found guilty of the first count there were no mitigating factors to reduce his suspension from the lower-end estimate of 12 weeks. He was given an extra week because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/20/chris-ashton-banned-10-weeks-miss-six-nations-england-saracens">he was banned for 10 weeks in January</a> for putting his hand near the eye area of an opponent.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/20/rugby-union-calendar-world-rugby-test-schedule">Players’ interests must be at heart of any new timetable for world rugby | Robert Kitson</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/20/chris-ashton-saracens-england-biting">Continue reading...</a>Chris AshtonSaracensRugby Football UnionRugby unionEngland rugby union teamSportTue, 20 Sep 2016 23:26:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/20/chris-ashton-saracens-england-bitingPhotograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesPhotograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesPaul Rees2016-09-20T23:26:08ZSaracens’ Chris Ashton faces long ban after RFU citing over biting chargeshttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/19/saracens-chris-ashton-alleged-biting-cited
• Wing is accused of biting Alex Waller twice in space of a minute<br />• Ashton will appear before disciplinary panel on Tuesday evening<p>Chris Ashton faces a suspension running into months rather than weeks after being cited for two separate incidents of biting and an almost certain end to his international career. The Saracens and England wing will appear before a disciplinary panel in London on Tuesday night to answer a charge <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/17/chris-ashton-alex-waller-eddie-jones-allianz-park-mark-mccall-saracens" title="">that he bit the Northampton prop Alex Waller</a> on Saturday during the Premiership match at Allianz Park in the 24th minute and did so again 60 seconds later.</p><p>Waller has not been cited for the incident involving Ashton when he appeared to put his hand across the lower part of the wing’s face, or two others in the second half when he tackled Jamie George to the ground off the ball and the hooker had to break his fall with his left arm and then had a meeting of heads as the pair grappled on the floor. He complained to the referee, Greg Garner, at the time, and Garner told him the matter would be reviewed after the match. It was taken up by the citing commissioner, Mike Rafter, who brought the charges against Ashton.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/19/rugby-union-talking-points-from-the-weekends-premiership-action">Rugby union: talking points from the weekend's Premiership action</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/19/saracens-chris-ashton-alleged-biting-cited">Continue reading...</a>Chris AshtonSaracensNorthamptonRugby Football UnionRugby unionSportMon, 19 Sep 2016 16:17:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/19/saracens-chris-ashton-alleged-biting-citedPhotograph: Matthew Impey/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Matthew Impey/REX/ShutterstockPaul Rees2016-09-19T16:17:09ZGlobal season will only happen if New Zealand and home nations work together | Paul Reeshttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/01/global-season-new-zealand-home-nations-rugby-union-the-breakdown
<p>The concept is now being taken seriously but many rugby union issues, not least financial, need to be resolved and the All Blacks are in the mood to go it alone</p><p>A new season starts with an old argument. The global calendar, a concept which has for most of the decade casually been kicked around like a ball in a warm-up, is an issue <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/25/premiership-rugby-mark-mccafferty-global-calendar-talks">that is now being taken seriously</a>.<br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/01/lions-tour-treadmill-premiership-pro-12-rugby">Lions tour the prize but first comes treadmill even robots would find wearing | Robert Kitson</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/31/ben-teo-worcester-rugby-union-league-sam-burgess">Ben Te’o: ‘Some people in union love that Sam Burgess went back’</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/01/global-season-new-zealand-home-nations-rugby-union-the-breakdown">Continue reading...</a>New Zealand rugby union teamEngland rugby union teamScotland rugby union teamWales rugby union teamRugby Football UnionRugby unionSportThu, 01 Sep 2016 14:32:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/01/global-season-new-zealand-home-nations-rugby-union-the-breakdownPhotograph: Phil Walter/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Phil Walter/Getty ImagesPaul Rees2016-09-01T14:32:57ZGlobal rugby union season talks stall to leave 2019 fixture list in limbohttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/24/global-rugby-union-season-talks-stall-2019-fixture-list
• Six Nations sides split on moving tournament to free up calendar<br />• New Zealand could negotiate fixtures individually<p>Talks between the major rugby unions about a global season have stalled, raising fears that there will be no international calendar after the 2019 World Cup outside official tournaments, such as the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship.</p><p>The major southern hemisphere nations have long argued for a global season which would separate club and international fixtures to synchronise the playing calendar. The New Zealand head coach, Steve Hansen, has described the current schedule as “bordering on the ludicrous” and detrimental to player welfare, but three years of talks have yielded little.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/22/warren-gatland-lions-coach-new-zealand">Warren Gatland set to be named as Lions coach for New Zealand tour</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/24/global-rugby-union-season-talks-stall-2019-fixture-list">Continue reading...</a>Rugby unionRugby Football UnionNew Zealand rugby union teamSportWed, 24 Aug 2016 17:38:52 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/24/global-rugby-union-season-talks-stall-2019-fixture-listPhotograph: David Moir/EPAPhotograph: David Moir/EPAPaul Rees2016-08-24T17:38:52ZDean Ryan handed international player development role by RFUhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/29/dean-ryan-england-rfu-development-role
• New position involves preparing players for England sides<br />• Ryan stepped down as Worcester’s director of rugby in June<p>Dean Ryan has been appointed as the Rugby Football Union’s head of international player development.</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/dean-ryan" title="">Ryan</a> will arrive at Twickenham next month and will be responsible for leading and managing the progress of players so they become capable of playing for England. He is to work with academies and national team coaches and the scope of his role extends from under-16s through to the senior team.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/25/eddie-jones-sam-underhill-england-rfu-autumn-tests">England’s Eddie Jones denied services of Sam Underhill in autumn Tests</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/29/dean-ryan-england-rfu-development-role">Continue reading...</a>Rugby Football UnionEngland rugby union teamRugby unionSportFri, 29 Jul 2016 11:39:45 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/29/dean-ryan-england-rfu-development-rolePhotograph: Malcolm Couzens/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Malcolm Couzens/Getty ImagesPress Association2016-07-29T11:39:45ZEngland and Eddie Jones boosted by deal between RFU and Premiershiphttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/25/england-eddie-jones-rfu-premiership
• Eight-year deal is worth more than £200m<br />• Jones’ benefits will include greater access to player and later selection deadline<p>England’s aim of becoming the dominant force in the global game has been strengthened by an agreement signed by the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby Limited.</p><p>The eight-year partnership between Twickenham and the Premiership clubs, worth over £200m, will give Eddie Jones greater access to players, a later deadline for selection, two additional training camps and more rest periods for his Grand Slam winners.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/25/england-eddie-jones-rfu-premiership">Continue reading...</a>PremiershipRugby Football UnionEngland rugby union teamEddie JonesRugby unionSportPremiership 2016-17Mon, 25 Jul 2016 13:46:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/25/england-eddie-jones-rfu-premiershipPhotograph: Tom Dulat/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Tom Dulat/Getty ImagesPress Association2016-07-25T13:46:12ZFormer England internationals to take part in major study on concussionshttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jun/02/former-england-internationals-major-study-concussions-rugby-union-rfu-dylan-hartley
• Over 100 former players will have their neurological health tested by RFU<br />• Dylan Hartley among those to warn against dangers of repeated concussions<p>Six months after a leading academic in New Zealand claimed rugby was more dangerous to play than American football, more than 100 former England rugby internationals will take part in a study to examine the long-term effects of the game on the brain.</p><p>The NFL, the governing body of American football, has settled <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/14/cte-nfl-link-football-brain-disease-senior-official-acknowledges" title="">a £660m class action</a> brought by a number of former players who had repeated concussions during their careers after three who suffered depression and took their own lives donated their brains for research. It was found they all suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a type of dementia related to repeated blows to the head that can be established only after death.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/24/concussion-professional-rugby-union-injury-surveillance-report">Concussion is still the most common injury in professional rugby - report</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jun/02/former-england-internationals-major-study-concussions-rugby-union-rfu-dylan-hartley">Continue reading...</a>Rugby Football UnionConcussion in sportRugby unionSportThu, 02 Jun 2016 09:32:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jun/02/former-england-internationals-major-study-concussions-rugby-union-rfu-dylan-hartleyPhotograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesPhotograph: David Rogers/Getty ImagesPaul Rees2016-06-02T09:32:09Z‘The RFU Championship has become the wild west of professional rugby’ | Robert Kitsonhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/may/17/championship-wild-west-professional-rugby-union-dangers
<p>According to one player they are rugby’s ‘forgotten men’ – plying their trade for a fraction of what their Premiership cousins earn but facing all the same pitfalls</p><p>In these pages we recently published <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/may/03/rugby-vulnerable-gladiators-wrestling-demons" title="">a piece on the hidden pressures of professional rugby union</a>. There was a significant response, including one email that should be compulsory reading for the game’s authorities. Ben Hooper is a 28-year-old prop forward plying his trade in the Championship and, on behalf of every player in the second tier of English rugby, he feels compelled to speak out.</p><p>Hooper is the younger brother of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/apr/14/bath-captain-stuart-hooper-retires-rugby-union" title="">Bath’s recently-retired captain Stuart Hooper</a> but, despite pursuing a career in the same sport, he inhabits a parallel universe. Championship players, he alleges, are being let down by their own union, receive insufficient funding from the Rugby Football Union and are open to exploitation by people with scant interest in their physical or mental well-being. “We are rugby’s forgotten men,” he writes. “We take the same risks, put in the same hours and make the same sacrifices with few of the benefits. The RFU Championship has become the wild west of professional rugby.”</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/05/rugby-union-brutal-reality-elite-player-welfare">Rugby union’s brutal reality: the physical and mental toll of an elite playing career | Michael Aylwin</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/05/alex-corbisiero-rugby-union-england-lions">Alex Corbisiero: ‘Even now people will frown if you say you need a rest’</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/may/17/championship-wild-west-professional-rugby-union-dangers">Continue reading...</a>Rugby unionSportRugby Football UnionTue, 17 May 2016 11:31:16 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/may/17/championship-wild-west-professional-rugby-union-dangersPhotograph: Phil Walter/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Phil Walter/Getty ImagesRobert Kitson2016-05-17T11:31:16ZEddie Jones ready to pick Sam Underhill for England despite RFU policyhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/10/eddie-jones-sam-underhill-england-rfu-rugby
• Jones says resolution close over Ospreys flanker despite clubs’ disquiet<br />• Steffon Armitage and Ben Te’o also in England coach’s thoughts<p>Eddie Jones is ready to push forward with plans to call up the Ospreys flanker Sam Underhill in the “next few months”, despite potential disquiet from Premiership clubs.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/10/wales-tour-squad-warren-gatland-french-clubs-rugby">Wales tour squad puts Warren Gatland on collision course with French clubs</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/09/maro-itoje-saracens-racing-92-european-rugby-champions-cup-final">Maro Itoje: ‘Disappointments sharpen the desire – Saracens want to go all the way this year’</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/10/eddie-jones-sam-underhill-england-rfu-rugby">Continue reading...</a>England rugby union teamEddie JonesOspreysRugby Football UnionRugby unionSportTue, 10 May 2016 18:49:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/10/eddie-jones-sam-underhill-england-rfu-rugbyPhotograph: Huw Evans/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Huw Evans/REX/ShutterstockMark Dobson2016-05-10T18:49:38ZEngland rugby squad’s workload puts welfare at risk, warns players’ unionhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/05/england-rugby-union-squad-workload-players-welfare
• Elite squad members face burnout with unprecedented demands, critics warn<br />• ‘Something has to give or the players will,’ says Quins director Conor O’Shea<p>The Rugby Players’ Association has warned the game limit for England’s elite player squad members is too high and top-flight players face risks to their long-term health unless everyone in rugby union puts welfare first.</p><p>The Rugby Football Union and Premier Rugby will shortly announce the details of the new heads of agreement, which governs the management of the elite player squad (EPS), and the limit will remain at 32, the figure set when the agreement was first struck in 2008.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/05/rugby-union-brutal-reality-elite-player-welfare">Rugby union’s brutal reality: the physical and mental toll of an elite playing career | Michael Aylwin</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/may/03/rugby-vulnerable-gladiators-wrestling-demons">Spare a thought for rugby’s vulnerable gladiators wrestling with their demons | Robert Kitson</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/05/england-rugby-union-squad-workload-players-welfare">Continue reading...</a>Rugby unionRugby Football UnionEngland rugby union teamPremiershipSportThu, 05 May 2016 10:55:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/05/england-rugby-union-squad-workload-players-welfarePhotograph: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Marty Melville/AFP/Getty ImagesMichael Aylwin2016-05-05T10:55:05ZRugby union’s brutal reality: the physical and mental toll of an elite playing career | Michael Aylwinhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/05/rugby-union-brutal-reality-elite-player-welfare
<p>Life as an elite rugby player offers a great career, says George Chuter, but he warns ‘the human body can’t take that sort of punishment and come away scot-free’</p><p>When George Chuter headed to the bar at Welford Road after a match, he would mix with the Leicester players of the 1950s and 60s and note their replacement body parts and aching limbs. “The degradation their bodies suffered in a much less impactful era brings it home to you what we’ve got coming,” he says now, two years on from the end of an 18-year rugby career of 440 matches that dates back to the dawn of the professional era.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/05/england-rugby-union-squad-workload-players-welfare">England rugby squad’s workload puts welfare at risk, warns players’ union</a> </p><p>It’s sacrificing long‑term health. You want to have that time in the sun. But unfortunately it’s a deal with the devil.</p><p>My grandfather worked down a coal mine. Would I prefer to do what I’m doing and risk long-term health problems? Yeah.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/05/rugby-union-brutal-reality-elite-player-welfare">Continue reading...</a>PremiershipPremiership 2015-16Rugby unionEngland rugby union teamRugby Football UnionSportThu, 05 May 2016 10:50:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/05/rugby-union-brutal-reality-elite-player-welfarePhotograph: John Marsh/ReutersPhotograph: John Marsh/ReutersMichael Aylwin2016-05-05T10:50:05Z